Mizuno Canada generously provided me with a pair of the new Wave Sky runners to try. Although I scored an awesome new pair of shoes, all opinions below and always are my own. ​

When I started running, I ran with the shoes I had been walking long distances in, Saucony Rides. When they wore out, I'd buy a new pair or Rides or Triumphs, pretty much depending on which was on sale. I did this religiously for a couple years. When choosing the Sauconys, it had taken a lot of trying on shoes to find something was comfortable right out of the box.

​In 2016 I got a new pair of Triumphs. They'd re-engineered the running system in the shoe since my previous pair. It was during a run with friends that one of them pointed out the sound my feet were making. Somewhat of an awkward flop, flop, flop sound. I'd noticed it too, but wondered if these were taking a bit more breaking in than my usual. Unfortunately there was something about that pair that just didn't work for me. To be fair, looking back, I could have tested out an alternate pair of Triumphs or new pair of Rides. At the time though, I felt that it must be the new Everun system that was causing my clunky, awkward stride.

I took the chance to try out Mizuno Wave Riders. I was immediately impressed that they felt good, and quite similar to my Sauconys right off the bat. Since then, I've gone on to retire two pairs of Riders, a pair of 19s and a pair of 20s. They have become my high mileage training shoe.

​When I was offered a pair of the all-new Wave Sky to try out I was obviously appreciative (anyone who tells you running is free hasn't seen my Visa bill) but also a little nervous since I loved my Wave Riders so much.

Who doesn't like receiving a delivery to their work with a shoe-box shape inside a courier plastic envelope? Of course I had to try them on immediately. Whoa! Cushy. My immediate feeling was how plush the Wave Sky's were right out of the box. The colour was an easy sell for me. I was happy to realize that they felt much like a puffier version of my Riders.

Now to let them have some fun!

A group of us met at the Beaches Running Room one afternoon when summer had finally hit Toronto. We were helping out Mizuno Canada's Brand Building Specialist Michelle with a fun photo shoot that was part of the Wave Sky launch. Any time you get a group of runners together you are guaranteed to laugh and have fun. We enjoyed posing and doing repeats along the boardwalk and near Beach iconic locations like the Leuty Lifeguard Station.

The Wave Skys also got to check out Casa Loma with some of its' siblings a couple weeks later. Beware that when you are trying to take a shoe family photo near a fountain you may be photo bombed by a fun-loving wet dog!

The Wave Skys have had a chance to check out several locations throughout the city this summer. I'm pleased to say that they have treated me well. In the first few runs I felt like I was landing slightly differently than in my Wave Riders. Michelle confirmed that they were designed to help tweak your landing. As a heel striker, I felt this would probably help improve my stride and I didn't notice it after a couple runs. As I start to ramp up my mileage for fall races, I plan on including them in my training rotation. Thanks Mizuno!

Here's more detailed info about the shoes if you are into specs. Honestly, my recommendation is to pop into one of the stores below to try them out.

Specs:

Parallel cloudwave provides a smoother ride with more bounce.

Midsole provides a responsive cushion on top and greater shock absorption and more lively feel on the bottom.

The grooves on the forefront are segmented and flexible which enhances a smooth transition.

The collar construction is soft and plush.

Engineered mesh in midfoot wraps the arch for adaptive and supportive fit.